Kightly: Stamp down on divers

Kightly: Stamp down on divers

Published Oct. 9, 2012 9:15 a.m. ET

Stoke City winger Michael Kightly insists the actions of players like Liverpool striker Luis Suarez are "not good for the game".

The Uruguay international was heavily criticised by Potters boss Tony Pulis, who called for divers to be handed a three-match ban, after falling theatrically in Sunday's goalless draw at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers leapt to the defence of his star forward on Monday, claiming the vilification of the 25-year-old was wrong and unfair.

But Kightly continued the attack on Suarez by telling The Sentinel: "When you get a little touch and he is screaming like he has broken his leg you do think 'is he hurt?' but nine times out of 10, he's not.

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"It is something we are trying to get out of the game. Referees have to try to stamp down on it.

"There is a difference between winning a penalty and just diving.

"Sometimes players know a tackle is coming in and ride it and go down. That's good play, winning a penalty.

"But sometimes, when you just dive with no touch at all, that's not good for the game."

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